Starting Monday, Jan. 25, francophone non-profit organizations will be able to apply for provincial pandemic relief funding.
The $2 million COVID-19 Relief Fund is being managed by Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario (l’AFO). Eligible organizations can apply for operational funding to help during the pandemic, according to the government announcement.
It aims to provide financial support to francophone non-profits struggling with revenue cuts and service interruption caused by the pandemic, reads l’AFO’s website. The funding will be provided as non-repayable contributions of up to $50,000.
Eligible non-profits include charities, social enterprises and cooperatives serving francophone communities in Ontario.
"Francophone non-profit organizations are part of a community-based network that help expand the range of French-language services offered in the province and play an essential role in the social and cultural fabric of the francophone community," Minister of Francophone Affairs Caroline Mulroney said in a news release.
"Many are struggling during this pandemic and it is important that the government support these organizations so that they can continue serving and helping francophones."
The COVID-19 Relief Fund, announced in November 2020, will provide a total of $2 million over two years – $1 million per year – to address issues identified through consultations with francophone economic and community leaders, according to today's news release.
There will be an information session about the Relief Fund on Jan. 22. To register, click here.
Applications for funding will be accepted until March 12. For more information about the fund, visit: https://monassemblee.ca/fonds-secours-ontario/.
